Born and educated in Edinburgh, Scotland, Paul Gardner comes from an artistic family and a heritage of Scottish and European tradition. While Gardner found drawing and painting to be a natural instinct, he had the guidance of art entrepreneur Richard DeMarco, who has been at the forefront of the Scottish Contemporary Art scene for three decades, and Bill Guillon, respected painter and lecturer. Both were influential in helping Gardner to expand his artistic talent. He studied under Sir Robin Phillipson, David Meechie and William Bailey and received a graduate degree in Fine Arts from Edinburgh College of Art, with a major in drawing and painting. He also earned a teaching degree and became an art instructor with Lothian Region. Gardner moved to America in 1990 and eventually settled in Orange County.

He has exhibited his art in Europe, the United States and Mexico.

Gardner maintains his working studio in the famed artist colony of Laguna Beach, California, where he produces paintings and sculpture.